Methods and apparatuses for updating mobile computer location configuration settings

Abstract

A method for a user's mobile client computer to update its configuration specification involves receiving an e-mail from an administrator containing location settings encoded in an attachment, openings the attachment to the e-mail, and writing location values corresponding to the location settings encoded in the attachment into the configuration specification of the computer. In the preferred embodiment, the e-mail includes a designation of a location name corresponding to the configuration specification. In the e-mail attachment, the location settings are generically defined so as to apply to a variety of operating systems. The user's mobile client application determines an operating system type for the computer, and generates the location values by interpreting the location settings for the operating system type for the computer. The interpretation of the generic location settings to produce the location values involves referring to program logic which translates the location settings into location values as a function of the operating system type for the computer. The location settings which may be specified according to the present invention includes internet settings, such as internet protocol address, a domain name server configuration, a gateway, and a WINS configuration, and further include dialing settings or local area network settings. According to another aspect, an administrator application provides a user's client computer with configuration settings. The administrator application specifies a location name for the user's client computer. The administrator application further creates an e-mail addressed to the user having the location settings encoded in an attachment, and the administrator application sends the e-mail to the user.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0001]1. Field of the Invention[0002]The present invention pertains to the field of personal computers which are mobile. Specifically, the present invention pertains to the configuration of mobile personal computers within various local area networks.[0003]2. Discussion of the Related Art[0004]An increasing number of companies are boosting the productivity of field personnel by equipping them with laptop computers. These mobile professionals need easy access to the corporate network from a variety of sites: branch offices, manufacturing facilities, distribution centers, customer sites, hotel rooms, and even home.[0005]Providing network access to a growing mobile workforce poses a significant challenge for the information technology (IT) staff. Remote access involves entering complicated connection settings manually each time the user attempts to access the network from a different site. Research indicates that business travelers typically spend about 20 mi...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0014]A goal of the present invention is to simplify location switching for mobile users. Another goal of the present invention is to allow easy deployment, management, and update by the IT staff. The present solution should automate, as much as possible, the entry of location-dependent settings for network access.

[0020]The number of mobile computer users is growing rapidly, which has generated a major problem for many companies. The present invention provides the IT staff with a solution that makes changing locations effortless for mobile computer users. In this way, the staff can eliminate nonproductive connection setup time for mobile professionals and reduce calls to the help desk. The solution according to the present invention must be easy to manage and administer so it does not add to the problem of rising network management costs. Furthermore, the present invention prevents users from wasting large amounts of time adjusting their mobile computer connection settings every time they change locations, lowering their productivity. The present invention provides an ideal solution. It helps companies contain support costs by reducing the number of help desk calls, and it helps them increase the productivity of their mobile professionals by simplifying location changes. The resulting cost savings can be significant. In addition, the product keeps network administrators productive through centralized management. Using the present invention, a company can continue to increase the mobility of its workforce to meet the business requirements of the 21st century-without driving up costs.

Problems solved by technology

Providing network access to a growing mobile workforce poses a significant challenge for the information technology (IT) staff.

This nonproductive time increases significantly if the user enters incorrect information and must spend time finding and fixing the problem.

The costs associated with the loss in productivity for the mobile professional and the increased support costs can approach $1 million for a company with 1,000 mobile users.

Mobile users face difficulties when connecting to a network from multiple locations.

Additional burden is placed on the IT staff in supporting mobile users.

The cost of providing mobile access is high.

The growing number of mobile users drives up support costs and places increasing demands on an already overburdened IT staff.

The complications introduced by frequently adjusting to different work environments make it more difficult and more expensive to support mobile users due to the increase in dedicated help desk estaff that they require.

These technologies further complicate mobile connections and aggravate the support problem.

Dialing-in creates problems.

Dialing issues are the most common source of end-user downtime and involve a large number of cumbersome and error-prone settings.

Users must set the correct dial-in telephone number, which is particularly difficult because telephone numbers change continually due to new area codes and new dial-in access lines.

Keeping users updated with the most recent phone numbers adds to the cost of supporting them.

Entering the correct calling card sequence is also cumbersome, requiring the user to enter the calling card number, a personal identification number, and any required delays between these numbers.

Dialing is especially difficult for international travelers because dialing sequences vary considerably from country to country.

Changing locations is complicated.

Remote access is burdensome and time consuming for mobile professionals, particularly for those who are not familiar with networking terminology.

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